The Choice (The Gamble Series Book 2) by Kathryn Jacques

Author:Kathryn Jacques [Jacques, Kathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-15T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

I hate that I have my hands tied and that I continue to be unarmed the closer we travel to League headquarters. Twice I ask Nole if I can at least have a knife.

“What for?” he asks after my second request. “I’m here. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

I consider pointing out that Rey said the same thing to me the night before the Gamble which started this entire fiasco, but I keep my mouth shut. I don’t need a reminder of the past, especially right now. Besides, while it’s unlikely Elijah will live to see the morning, I still don’t want him to know about Rey. It’s the only protection I can offer my best friend.

I peek at Elijah from the corner of my eye, Ryder’s lantern light falling on the man’s freckled face. He shows no fear, not so much as the slightest concern for his dire situation and I think of my conversation earlier with Charlie, how he’s missing something essential to being human. Surely he must know his odds aren’t good. Even if we don’t win tonight, there’s no way Nole or Charlie or Ryder will let Elijah survive this.

And if they don’t kill him, I will. Even if I have to use my bare hands.

Still, Elijah’s misplaced assurance and air of steady determination unnerve me. Something is so very wrong with that man.

Shapes shift in the trees, black shadows materializing from the night. My feet freeze halfway into my next step as my chest tightens and stomach flips around itself.

“Elijah? That you?” calls one man dressed in the familiar League gear, a giant weapon in his hands.

My eyes dart to Ryder, but I can’t see his face behind the visor of his helmet, so I sneak a glance at Charlie instead. Whatever thoughts roam her head, they are carefully concealed by her usual calm demeanor. There has to be something on this planet that cracks her poised and solid outer shell. Although, whatever it is, I’m not sure I want to know.

The masked man I know is Nole turns slightly toward Elijah, jerking his head almost imperceptibly. I have a moment of panic believing Elijah won’t follow our orders, as he strides forward to stand before his comrade.

“Success,” Elijah sneers and a weight lifts off my shoulders. He might be a miserable excuse for a human being, but at least the red-haired psychopath isn’t stupid. “I’m taking them to Sawyer.”

Elijah’s man grins, offering a lazy salute. “Right-O, boss. You called that one good.” Then he wanders off, back to whatever post he came from. I figure he’ll be one of the first to know Elijah’s plan failed when the rest of our party arrives. He’ll also be one of the first killed in the coming battle.

In a way, I feel bad for some of the League members. Those who, like myself and Charlie and the rest of the Risers, are only doing what they can to stay alive and joining the League was the best way to ensure survival.

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